Abhishek Joshi, a Development and Sustainability program student at the School of Environment, Resource, and Development at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), shares his internship experience at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia.
I enrolled in the Development and Sustainability program at the School of Environment, Resource, and Development at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in the August 2022 intake.
The distinguished faculty and the comprehensive learning platform offered by the school significantly influenced my decision. My academic focus lies in development studies, particularly in the areas of development projects and theories. AIT’s multidisciplinary curriculum provided me with a unique vantage point to examine development from diverse perspectives.
Recognizing the value of practical experience alongside academic pursuits, I aimed to expand my horizons beyond the classroom. With guidance from my academic advisor, I pursued an internship at the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Asia. SEI is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between science and policy. Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, SEI operates globally across various sectors, including disaster management, gender equality, and climate change.
During a five-month internship, I collaborated with SEI-Asia’s water cluster on the Impact Based Alerting (IBA) project under my supervisor, Mr. Uttam Ghimire. This experience greatly enhanced my understanding of hydrometeorological hazards, early warning systems, and impact-based alerting strategies. My grasp of challenges posed by hydromet hazards and IBA implementation in developing nations like Nepal and Bhutan significantly deepened during my tenure at SEI Asia.
While my primary responsibilities centered on Nepal and Bhutan, my engagement with SEI enabled me to connect with dedicated researchers within the organization and motivate young individuals through the SUMMERNET program. Through my involvement with SEI, I developed a profound appreciation for integrating scientific insights into policy-making processes, establishing a foundation for sustainable development.
SEI’s appeal lies in its dynamic work environment, extensive networking opportunities, and the chance to explore a wide range of subjects. Equally compelling is the diverse composition of professionals from varying backgrounds, contributing to SEI’s unique character. Collaborating with a multifaceted, enthusiastic, and highly skilled team has been a consistent source of inspiration throughout my journey with SEI.
While SEI is renowned for its impactful research, my perspective as an intern underscores the importance of critically assessing our work methods. At SEI Asia, we actively participate in weekly lunch and learn sessions, fostering the exchange of insights, knowledge, and experiences. A recent session focused on integrating human rights principles into environmental initiatives. This ongoing effort to translate concepts into practical operations has consistently presented both a rewarding challenge and an invaluable learning opportunity during my affiliation with SEI.
I extend my sincere gratitude to AIT and SEI-Asia for their pivotal roles in nurturing my personal and professional growth. Their support has been instrumental in shaping my journey towards meaningful development contributions.
